pope benedict will not vote for his successor. he will step down february 28th. he will eventually move into a monastery in the vatican dedicating his time to prayer and reflection. >>> this more than, many people are taking bets on who will become the next pope. the irish gambling house paddy power came up with a top three list. cardinal peter turkson of ghana, 3 to 1 odds. cardinal marc ouellet of canada is second. cardinal francis arinze of nigeria is third. it will be the biggest nonsporting event betting. it will surpass the last papal election. >>> today revelers are in the streets celebrating mardi gras in new orleans. a live look from bourbon street in the french quarter there. these people haven't gone to sleep or probably aren't very awake either right now. they're partying because it's just starting there. the area has been buzzing with excitement in the buildup to fat tuesday, which is today. little rain hasn't stopped them either. they're very crowded. vendors say ponchos are selling as fast as beads this year. >>> folks up north are still struggling